Whitney Fike: Choose your words carefully

Daily, our thoughts are transformed into words and sentences, and tend to be casual conversation. But in certain instances, our sentences and statements can leave an impact. Whether that is negative or positive, is all about which words. As the old nursery rhyme states, "sticks and stones will break my bones," however, words can last a lifetime.

There seem to be celebrity public apologies almost weekly. Is it because something negative goes viral so quickly in a digital world?

Just last week, actor Jonah Hill made a homophobic comment to the paparazzi and quickly issued a public apology on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon. Steve Coburn, California Chrome's co-owner, went on a rant and two days later, he publicly apologized for his comments. It seems Justin Bieber apologizes daily for something. Paula Deen still has a diminished reputation a year later, while Julianne Hough's Halloween costume disaster went away in just a few days.

All of these celebrities said or did something to upset the public.

As a public relations professional, I am trained to look at all sides of a situation to see potential pitfalls or opportunities. I can prepare for crisis situations, public statements and key messages, all in a professional work environment.

But what happens when you casually make a statement worth retracting? Without being a celebrity, a public apology is not an option, but awareness of your actions or words is essential.

As professionals, we communicate through many different means — email, phone, face-to-face and online. Our leaders and peers listen to what we say and how we say it.

As young professionals, we still have to be careful of our surroundings, both personally and professionally. What you say in a social setting could come back to haunt you in a professional one.

This past week, I enjoyed a nice night out on the town with friends and witnessed a situation where tensions were high and inappropriate statements were made. Those words froze in time and cannot be taken back.

We often forget that even off the clock, our words hold weight. As millennials, we set forth a new generation of leaders and future leaders. A colleague stated that we must make generational improvements toward acceptance. We need to accept and embrace all types of people, their views, values and beliefs. Our world can no longer be stubborn and judgmental.

Award-winning author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said it best, "When you know better, you do better."

We know better, so raise your head high and do better.

Think before you speak, and choose your words wisely, as someone will always be watching.